Reader Letters | Merger talk

Why is the University of Louisville giving our University Hospital to a religious organization that will take 70 percent of the profit and forbid good health care to women and girls? Give President James Ramsey away and keep University Hospital. Give us names of trustees and board members.

THELMA RINGO

Louisville 40241

A complete list of members of various University of Louisville boards appeared in an advertisement in Thursday's Courier-Journal, page B12. - Editor.

Religious entitlement

Regarding the writer who declared family planning services (e.g., tubal ligation, abortion, etc.) immoral according to his/her religious beliefs, consider these thoughts: Founding U.S. moral principles may be rooted in Christianity, but, thankfully, other religious and secular philosophies, and science, have enlightened most of us these past 391 years.

Not all religious fundamentalists and/or terrorists wear a Taqiyah and carry a Quran; some wear a cross and carry a Bible. Science taught us how to fly to the moon; religion taught us how to fly airplanes into buildings. Believers like you are entitled to practice your religion, but you are not entitled to practice your religion all over me, or my sisters.

M. SCOTT BORDEN

Sellersburg, Ind. 47172

Individual rights

Perusing the Readers' Forum, I was sad to see that some people perceive the issue regarding the hospital merger as a religious one. It is not. The issue is one of individual rights. No public institution has the right to violate a Supreme Court decision that protects a woman's right to choose by creating an environment that limits her choices, whatever they may be. This is an issue of whether this state will respect or restrict individual freedom.

SUSAN COX

Louisville 40207

Religious doctrine

Several times during the past week, The Courier-Journal has carried a full-page advertisement concerning the hospital merger. The ad includes the logo for the University of Louisville, a state agency, under the signature and title of the university's executive vice president for health affairs. The ad also includes this declaration by the three signers of the ad, including the university official: "We will respect the Ethical and Religious Directives of the Catholic Church ?"

Imagine that instead of referring to the Catholic Church, the ad referred to (and the underlying transaction involved) the Islamic Society of North America, the Church of Scientology or the neopagan religion of Wicca. Anything wrong with the university/state entering a transaction with any of these other religions and promising to adhere to its "directives" in carrying out its public health care duties, as the university has with the Catholic Church?

CRAIG SPARKS

Prospect, Ky. 40059

Reality check

Two, maybe three new bridges across the Ohio River? Reality check time. For one, the current Second Street and Kennedy bridges between Louisville and Indiana are not being properly maintained now - especially the roadway. The sign on the Kennedy Bridge should read, "Welcome to Louisville: Sorry for your chipped teeth due to the potholes. Dental care next exit."

Until our representatives can properly maintain what we already have, I will never be for building new structures. Seriously, step back and take a look for a moment - at the roadways, buildings and infrastructure of the city that need attention now. If you don't take care about what you already have, you stand to lose everything.

ERNIE DUNN

Louisville 40213

Riverport support

The investment in a riverport would create a valuable asset to Meade County and take advantage of our unique position on the Ohio River. Meade County's own farmers, as well as those in surrounding areas, would have a local market for their commodities. However, the benefits of a riverport would not be reaped only by those in agriculture. In a time of high gasoline prices, more farmers from neighboring counties would be attracted to our community due to the shorter and less expensive commute.

Brandenburg's restaurants, gas stations and other businesses would also benefit from this development. More farmers could haul their own grain and invest in new equipment to do so, creating more tax revenue and stimulating local businesses, including car dealerships, insurance agencies and implement dealers.

The support of the entire community is needed for this project because it benefits all citizens of Meade County, whatever their interest in agriculture. Over time, the Brandenburg riverport could grow to become one of the county's largest employers, as evidenced by the 1,885 jobs dependent on a similar enterprise in Jeffersonville, Ind.

The investment, made using funds available in the county's existing budget, would give us an advantage needed for long-term growth and economic development. We must seize the opportunity to prepare Meade County for the future by supporting the riverport.

MEGAN STITH

Payneville, Ky. 40157

NASCAR fan

It's been a couple of weeks since the Cup Race at Kentucky Speedway. I guess because I've been around NASCAR 51 years as a fan and journalist, I'm still hearing about it. I want to point out there were some positives.

I'd estimate 80 percent to 85 percent of people were in their seats by race time. The track put on a well-done and professional show. I heard drivers talk about how much fun they had.

Some things were definitely a problem, including traffic. I am confident Kentucky will do better next time. There is a learned science to moving around 100,000-plus people. I've been to Derby, Papa John's and Commonwealth stadiums and the KFC Yum! Center. They had to learn, too.

I've driven all over the country to see races. On July 9, I saw the top level of racing in my home state of Kentucky, and I got home in time to go to church Sunday morning. That was wonderful and unbelievable. I look forward to many more such events.

LARRY NEICHTER

Louisville 40299

Soccer and politics

We can't say enough about the effort and success of the U.S. women's soccer team. But when it comes to kicking, it's too bad there is not a league low enough for this dysfunctional Congress and their expertise in kicking the can down the road. At a critical point in the U.S. economy - joblessness, exploding deficits and other financial crises - all Congress will probably come up with is a token curb on spending, another commission and the umpteenth promise to reduce the massive deficits they bequeath to our children and grandchildren.

Oh, if only they had the grit, dedication, determination, vision, team play and willingness to sacrifice that the U.S. soccer team demonstrated so well. But that is too much to expect. Individual soccer team members are selected because they can deliver. Members of Congress should be, too, but the primary focus of most of today's politicians is the perpetual re-election of themselves and their party, and not in making hard decisions for the benefit of their country.

BOB LAWRENCE

Goshen, Ky. 40026

Louisville, Kentucky • Southern Indiana

ADVERTISEMENT

Most Popular

Most Commented

More Headlines

Most Viewed

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Reader Letters | Merger talk

Why is the University of Louisville giving our University Hospital to a religious organization that will take 70 percent of the profit and forbid good health care to women and girls? Give President